Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates

In summary, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates includes a Hamiltonian that takes into account the kinetic energy in terms of velocity components and a potential energy function. This is represented by the equation $$H = \frac{1}{2m} \left[ p_r^2 + p_\theta^2 + p_\phi^2 \right] + U(r, \theta, \phi)$$ with the kinetic energy expressed as $$T = {m \over 2} \left( v_{r}^2 + v_{\theta}^2 + v_{\phi}^2 \right) = {m \over 2} \left( \dot r ^2 + (r \dot
  • #1
DrClaude
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I was looking at the Wikipedia entry on the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, and was confounded by the equation at the beginning of the section on spherical coordinates:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton–Jacobi_equation#Spherical_coordinates

Shouldn't the Hamiltonian simply be
$$
H = \frac{1}{2m} \left[ p_r^2 + p_\theta^2 + p_\phi^2 \right] + U(r, \theta, \phi)
$$
?
 
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  • #2
In spherical coordinates, kinetic energy is $$ T = {m \over 2} \left( v_{r}^2 + v_{\theta}^2 + v_{\phi}^2 \right) = {m \over 2} \left( \dot r ^2 + (r \dot \theta)^2 + (r \sin \theta \ \dot \phi)^2 \right) $$ By definition, $$ p_r = {\partial T \over \partial r} = m \dot r \\ p_{\theta} = {\partial T \over \partial \theta } = m r^2 \dot \theta \\ p_{\phi} = {\partial T \over \partial \phi} = m r^2 \sin^2 \theta \ \dot \phi $$
 
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  • #3
Thanks a lot! I now realize I missed a square in my derivation :redface:
 

Related to Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates

1. What is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is a partial differential equation in classical mechanics that describes the evolution of a system over time. In spherical coordinates, it takes into account the position and momentum of particles in three-dimensional space.

2. Why is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation important in physics?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is important because it provides a way to find the trajectories of particles in a system, even in cases where the equations of motion are not solvable. It is also used in the development of quantum mechanics and relativity.

3. How is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation solved in spherical coordinates?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates is typically solved using the separation of variables method, which involves splitting the equation into several simpler equations that can be solved individually. The solutions are then combined to find the complete solution.

4. What are the applications of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation in spherical coordinates has various applications in physics, such as in celestial mechanics, quantum mechanics, and fluid dynamics. It is also used in engineering and other fields to study the behavior of dynamic systems.

5. How does the Hamilton-Jacobi equation relate to other equations in physics?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is closely related to other important equations in physics, such as the Hamiltonian, Lagrangian, and Schrödinger equations. It is also connected to concepts such as conservation of energy and momentum, and the principle of least action.

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